celebrating 30 years of the ADA
AP PHOTO/CHARLES TASNADI
support, a compelling case for change made by both legislators and members of the disability community, the inclusion of all appropriate stakeholders including state and local governments and business interests, and the recognition that civil rights goals needed to be balanced by legitimate community interests,” said Bobby Silverstein, former staff director and chief counsel for the Senate Subcommittee on Disability Policy, who served as a behind-the-scenes architect of the ADA. “There were incredible profiles in courage exercised by policymakers.”
a compelling case for nondiscrimination, the business community ensured that that the legislation balanced the rights of people with disabilities with the legitimate concerns of employers and businesses.
Policymakers from both sides of the isle including President Bush, Senators Tom Harkin (the primary sponsor), Orrin Hatch, Bob Dole and Kennedy Representatives Tony Coelho, Steny Hoyer, Steve Bartlett and Hamilton Fish and Illinois Attorney General Neil Hartigan risked their careers to advocate for the omnibus civil rights bill, Silverstein said. Many participants even spoke out to share their own experiences with disabilities, including personal and family experiences, and some directly countered party beliefs.
The ADA guarantees equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment,
The ADA outlines four goals: 1. Equality of opportunity 2. Full participation 3. Independent living 4. Economic self-sufficiency
ISSUE 2 2020 | CAPITOL IDEAS
Beyond the strong advocacy of policymakers, the ADA was successful as a result of the involvement of numerous stakeholders in its formation, ranging from state and local governments to business interests and the disability community. While the disability advocacy community provided
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I like to think of the ADA as an acronym for both the Americans with Disabilities Act and the American Dream for All. The ADA serves as a handle for making the promise of equality a reality for our neighbors with disabilities.” — BOBBY SILVERSTEIN, former staff director and chief counsel for the Senate Subcommittee on Disability Policy
AP PHOTO/AL BEHRMAN
